Denver and the West

CU students in hot water after mascot mess

The two University of Colorado at Boulder college students who dressed the school's costumed mascot in gang-style clothing were extremely remorseful Monday and probably will not face punishment, school officials said.

The CU Buffalo mascot Chip briefly appeared at a Friday Nuggets game in the "gangster-themed" attire including a do-rag, fake gold teeth and a teardrop tattoo below one eye, which CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard called offensive.

The two student volunteers, whose names weren't released by CU officials, had a sit-down with Athletic Director Mike Bohn on Monday.

"We have a lot of confidence in the fact that they made a poor decision and will learn to be aware of the significance of their role in the future," Bohn said.

Previously, Chip has dressed up for Halloween or special football games. Hilliard said that would end after Friday's debacle, except when Chip is competing against other mascots.

The students, one of whom has played Chip for four years, didn't know the significance of the tear-drop tattoo, which usually indicates violent gang activity. Hilliard said university officials were going to use this as a teaching point.

"It's like . . . young people, do you understand the implications of what you did, how that could be read to people outside the CU fans?" Hilliard asked. "That's an important teachable moment.

Advertisement

"

Hilliard said the university has received some e-mail about the incident, but he said that could be related to press coverage.

University officials are working with the two students on an official apology.

Rockies are on pace to lose 93 games this seasonThe Rockies lost three of four in St. Louis and are on pace to lose 93 games as they come home for a three-game series with Seattle before going back on the road again to face Washington.